Footwear with Position Determination Unit

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a footwear article containing a position determination unit for locating an individual. A system for locating an individual is also provided, the system comprises a position determining unit integrated with a footwear article and at least one of a central station and an output device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.61/477,419, filed Apr. 20, 2011.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure related generally to footwear articles andmethods for tracking and/or locating individuals. The present disclosurerelates specifically to footwear articles and inner soles with anintegrated position determination unit and methods for using suchfootwear articles and inner soles to track and or provide locationinformation for an individual.

BACKGROUND

In today's world, security of both persons and property is a growingconcern. It is no longer safe to trust to the better nature of mankindfor personal safety. Crimes against persons have been on the increaseover the past several decades. For example, abduction of children hasunfortunately become a common occurrence.

This alarming trend is amplified by the more active lifestyles of modernfamilies. In many households, both parents work and children are oftenengaged in a myriad of activities. With such an active lifestyle, a lackof communication often develops between children and caregivers and thesafety of family can become an issue. If would be advantageous for acaregiver to be able to track and/or determine the location of a childat any given point in time. In addition, those persons caring forindividuals with physical or mental disabilities will also benefit frombeing able to track and/or determine the location of such individuals atany given point in time. In addition, may individuals engage in hobbies,lifestyles or professional/business activities where they would benefitfrom the devices and systems of the present disclosure.

Modern technology has addressed the issues above. For example, thewidespread use of cell phones has provided a partial solution. However,for many individuals, especially children and those with physical ormental disabilities, cell phones are often not a practical solution.Therefore, the art is lacking devices and methods that will track and/orprovide location information for an individual that is automated,accurate and simple to maintain and use.

Furthermore, shoes are, in many cases, created with an eye towardfashion and cost savings and not proper biomechanics. This is especiallytrue for children's shoes where a child can rapidly outgrow a shoe,making providing a shoe with proper biomechanical support to expensiveto manufacture.

The present disclosure provides a solution to these issues by disclosingan inner sole with at least a portion of a position determination unitlocated therein, a footwear article with at least a portion of aposition determination unit located therein and a system for using theforegoing. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the foregoingbenefits while at the same time providing an inner sole and a footweararticle that provides proper biomechanical support to the foot of anindividual, such as through the provision of an inner sole. In additionto providing proper biomechanical support, the inner sole provides anelement of sufficient depth and strength to contain and protect theelements of the position determination unit described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an inner sole thatcontains at least one element of a position determination unit. In oneembodiment of this aspect, the position determination unit comprises aGPS module and a communication unit. In another embodiment of thisaspect, the position determination unit comprises a GPS module, acommunication unit and an antenna. In another embodiment of this aspect,the position determination unit comprises a GPS module, a communicationunit, an antenna and a power source. In the foregoing embodiments, theposition determination unit may optionally comprise a storage device andother ancillary components. In another embodiment of this aspect, theinner sole is configured to receive at least a portion of the positiondetermination unit in a removable manner. In yet another aspect, thecomponents of the position determination unit are modular and can beexchanged between inner soles. In yet a further embodiment of thisaspect, the inner sole is configured to conform to the foot of a user toprovide proper biomechanical support to the foot of the user and acts asan orthotic device. In still a further embodiment of this aspect, theinner sole is configured to be used in conjunction with a footweararticle that has been previously manufactured (such as being positionedon top of an existing component of the footwear article). Such apre-manufactured footwear article may be one that contains at least aportion of a position determination unit as disclosed herein or afootwear article that does not contain any portion of a positiondetermination unit as disclosed herein. In still a further embodiment,the inner sole extends less than the length of the user's foot and canbe transferred between footwear articles.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an inner sole thatcontains a position determination unit. In one embodiment of thisaspect, the position determination unit comprises a GPS module, acommunication unit, an antenna and a power source. The positiondetermination unit may optionally comprise a storage device and otherancillary components. In another embodiment of this aspect, the innersole is configured to receive the position determination unit in aremovable manner. In yet another aspect, the components of the positiondetermination unit are modular and can be exchanged between inner soles.In yet a further embodiment of this aspect, the inner sole is configuredto conform to the foot of a user to provide proper biomechanical supportto the foot of the user and acts as an orthotic device. In still afurther embodiment of this aspect, the inner sole is configured to beused in conjunction with a footwear article that has been previouslymanufactured (such as being positioned on top of an existing componentof the footwear article). Such a pre-manufactured footwear article maybe one that contains at least a portion of a position determination unitas disclosed herein or a footwear article that does not contain anyportion of a position determination unit as disclosed herein. In still afurther embodiment, the inner sole extends less than the length of theuser's foot and can be transferred between footwear articles.

In a third aspect, the inner sole of the first and second aspects is apartial inner sole. A partial inner sole is defined as an inner solethat extends less than the length of a user's foot. In such anembodiment, the inner sole may be configured to be used in conjunctionwith a footwear article that has been previously manufactured (such asbeing positioned on top of an existing component of the footweararticle). Such a pre-manufactured footwear article may be one thatcontains at least a portion of a position determination unit asdisclosed herein or a footwear article that does not contain any portionof a position determination unit as disclosed herein. In still a furtherembodiment, the inner sole extends less than the length of the user'sfoot and can be transferred between footwear articles.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a footwear articlecontaining a position determination unit for locating an individual. Inan embodiment of this aspect, the position determination unit comprisesa GPS module, a communication unit, an antenna and a power source. Theposition determination unit may also comprise a storage device and otherancillary components. In one embodiment of this aspect, at least aportion of the position determination unit is contained within an innersole, the inner sole being a component of the footwear article. In stillanother embodiment of this aspect, the footwear article may containaccessory elements for use with the position determination unit.

In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a footwear article,the footwear article containing an inner sole of the first and thirdaspects and optionally one or more elements of a position determinationunit. In an embodiment of this aspect, the position determination unitcomprises a GPS module, a communication unit and an antenna as well as apower source. The position determination unit may also comprise astorage device and other ancillary components. In another embodiment ofthis aspect, the inner sole may contain a GPS module, a power source anda communication unit and the footwear article may contain an antenna. Instill another embodiment of this aspect, the footwear article maycontain accessory elements for use with the position determination unit.

In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a footwear article,the footwear article containing an inner sole of the second and thirdaspects. In an embodiment of this aspect, the position determinationunit comprises a GPS module, a communication unit and an antenna as wellas a power source. The position determination unit may also comprise astorage device and other ancillary components. In another embodiment ofthis aspect, the footwear article may contain accessory elements for usewith the position determination unit.

In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a system fortracking and/or providing location information regarding an individual.In one embodiment of this aspect, the system comprises an inner solecontaining at least a portion of a position determining unit integratedwithin the inner sole and at least one of a central station and anoutput device. In another embodiment of this aspect, the inner sole isan inner sole of the first through third aspects. In one embodiment ofthis aspect, location information regarding an individual may beprovided on request of a caregiver through the output device, may beprovided continuously or may be provided at a predetermined interval.

In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a system fortracking and/or providing location information regarding an individual.In one embodiment of this aspect, the system comprises a positiondetermining unit integrated within a footwear article and at least oneof a central station and an output device. In another embodiment of thisaspect, the footwear article is a footwear article of the fourth throughsixth aspects. In one embodiment of this aspect, location informationregarding an individual may be provided on request of a caregiverthrough the output device, may be provided continuously or may beprovided at a predetermined interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of an exemplary footwear article.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a position determination unit of thepresent disclosure along with the location in an arch support of afootwear article.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the position determination unit of thepresent disclosure integrated into a footwear article.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the position determination unit of thepresent disclosure integrated into an arch support.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the communicationbetween various elements of the system disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The articles of the present disclosure may be embodied as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that thedrawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in thespecific construction illustrated and described within the scope of theclaims submitted herewith.

As used herein, a caregiver may be any person responsible for the safetyof an individual. The caregiver may be, for example, a parent, teacher,sitter or relative that is responsible for the safety and welfare of anindividual.

As used herein, an individual that may be subject to positiondetermination through the articles and methods of the present disclosuremay be any individual. The individual may be, for example, a child, aperson with physical, cognitive or mental disabilities (such as, but notlimited to, a person with autism spectrum disorder or similarconditions), an outdoor enthusiast (such as, but not limited to, ahiker), a member of the military, a prison inmate or other personsubject to restricted movement, government workers (such as, but notlimited to, a mail carrier) or an elderly person. In addition, theindividual may be any person having an occupation or hobby wherelocation tracking and/or determination would provide additionalsecurity.

The present disclosure provides a solution to the problem of locatingindividuals through the provision of various articles, such as innersoles and footwear articles, with an integrated position determinationunit and a system for using such articles. In one embodiment, theindividual is a child or a person with physical, cognitive or mentaldisabilities.

Position Determination Unit

The position determination unit functions to determine the location ofan individual and transmit the determined location information to athird party, such as a caregiver. In one embodiment, the positiondetermination unit comprises a global positioning system (GPS) moduleand a communication unit. In another embodiment, the positiondetermination unit comprises a global positioning system (GPS) module, acommunication unit and a power source. In another embodiment, theposition determination unit comprises a global positioning system (GPS)module, a communication unit, an antenna and a power source. In anotherembodiment, the position determination unit comprises a globalpositioning system (GPS) module, a communication unit, an antenna, apower source and a storage module (such as, but not limited to, flashmemory, RAM or ROM). In any of the foregoing embodiment, the positiondetermination unit and/or the associated inner sole and/or footweararticle may contain other ancillary components as well. Furthermore, ineach of the foregoing embodiment, the components of the positiondetermination unit may be in communication with one another to form anoperating unit.

In specific embodiments, the position determination unit comprises aglobal positioning system (GPS) module, a communication unit, an antennaand a power source.

In the foregoing embodiment, the components of the positiondetermination unit may be placed in a single unit or in two or moreunits in communication with one another. The GPS module and thecommunication unit may be a single unit or multiple units. In such anembodiment, any GPS module that is known in the art may be used. In aparticular embodiment, the GPS module is of a size to fit within thefootwear as described herein. The GPS module may provide an acceptableradius of actual location, such as a 10 meter radius, a 50 meter radiusor greater. By radius of location, it is meant that the actual locationof the individual will be within 10 meters of the location provided bythe GPS module if a GPS with a 10 meter location radius is used. Theposition determination unit may store the calculated positioninformation determined in memory or a storage module; the storage moduleor memory may be a part of the GPS module or the communication unit ormay be a separate device. Alternatively, the central station or theoutput device, described below, can store the location information itreceives from the position determination unit.

The communication unit functions to receive signals (such as a requestfor location information) from a central station and/or an output devicethrough a communication conduit and to transmit information, such aslocation information, to the central station or directly to an outputdevice through a communication conduit. The location information allowsa caregiver to determine the location of an individual in real time. Anycommunication unit known in the art may be used. In one embodiment, thecommunication unit is specifically adapted for mobile to mobilecommunications with the central station and/or the output device andadheres to applicable standards and protocols for such mobile to mobilecommunication. A specific example of such a protocol is the gpsOnecapability. The GPS module may also incorporate a standard or extendedAT command set, an interface set, with inter-integrated circuit (TIC)and general purpose input/output (GPIO) definable elements and becompatible with various computer network protocols.

An exemplary GPS module that may be used in the described footweararticle is manufactured by Telit (Raleigh N.C.).

The communication conduit may be any communication medium known in theart. In one embodiment, the communication conduit is a satellite basedcommunication system, a wireless communication system, a cellularcommunication system or a radio-wave based communication system. Thecommunication unit may be capable of receiving and transmitting throughall available communication conduits or through one or more of allavailable communication conduits.

The position determination unit may also comprise an antenna. In oneembodiment, the antenna is a passive antenna; in an alternate embodimentthe antenna is an active antenna. The antenna may be located in theinner sole or in the footwear article. In one embodiment, the antenna ispositioned so that it is exposed to the sky in order to receive requiredsignals efficiently. However, the antenna may be positioned at anylocation in the inner sole of the footwear article and be functional. Inone embodiment, the antenna is located in the tongue portion of thefootwear article. In another embodiment, the antenna is located in asidewall of the footwear article. In still another embodiment, theantenna is located in an inner sole. In yet another embodiment, theantenna is located under the inner sole, such as under the insert pad inthe forefoot. However, other placements may be possible. In a particularembodiment, the antenna comprises a flexible circuit board to allow theantenna to be integrated into the inner sole or footwear article withoutdamage to the antenna during use. Such a flexible antenna can be passiveor active. The antenna is connected, directly or indirectly, to the GPSmodule. In a particular embodiment, a passive antenna supplied byTaoglas Limited (Boston, Mass.) is used.

The position determination unit is also coupled to a power source. Inone embodiment, the power source is a battery as is known in the artthat is compatible with the components of the position determinationunit. The battery may be conventional battery, a rechargeable battery ora self-charging battery. In one embodiment of a self-charging battery,kinetic energy resulting from acceleration and movement of the footweararticle is harvested using piezoelectric elements that are positioned toreceive forces along multiple different axes. This phenomenon isexplained in a recent application filed by Nokia for cellular phonebatteries (which application is hereby incorporated by reference forsuch teachings). In another embodiment, the self charging battery mayemploy an induction coil and oscillating magnet that converts thekinetic energy to electricity and a storage area to store such energy.Such technology is currently employed in small batteries by companiessuch as Livecell. The power source is in communication with one or morecomponents of the position determination unit.

In the embodiment where the battery is a rechargeable battery, the innersole or footwear device may include a charging port for recharging thebattery. When the recharging port is in communication with an externalpower source, the external power source recharges the battery.

In a particular embodiment, the GPS module, communication unit and powersource are part of a single device, such as a circuit board, and theindividual units are in communication with one another, either directlyor indirectly. The unit may also be in communication with the antenna.The circuit board may be enclosed in a case or enclosure for protection.

Modes of Operation

The position determination unit can function is several modes. In afirst mode (which may be referred to as an on-demand mode), the positiondetermination unit does not continuously calculate location information.In the on-demand mode, the position determination unit is activatedthrough receipt of a signal from the central station and/or the outputdevice. Such signal may be received by the communication unit through acommunication conduit. The signal directs the GPS module to calculatelocation information. In operation, the GPS module provides locationinformation by calculating position information supplied by a GPSsystem. The GPS module receives a signal, such as via the antenna, fromone or more GPS satellites and determines location information as isknown in the art; in one embodiment, the GPS module uses an algorithmembedded in the GPS module to determine location information. Thelocation information is then transmitted to the central station and/oran individual output device via the communication unit through acommunication conduit. When the location information is transmitted to acentral station, the central station disseminates the locationinformation to one or more output devices. In one embodiment, thecentral station uses the internet to transmit location information to anoutput device; in an alternate embodiment, the central station uses acommunication conduit, such as a cellular network, to transmit locationinformation to an output device. In embodiments where the locationinformation is provided directly to an output device, a communicationconduit may be used to transmit the information from the communicationunit to the output device. In either embodiment, the locationinformation is provided to a caregiver through the output device or thecentral station. Location information may be provided to more than oneoutput device or a single output device.

In a second mode (which may be referred to as an autonomous mode), theposition determination unit is active and calculates locationinformation continuously or at selected intervals (for example, 1minute, 5 minute or 30 minute intervals or longer). The locationinformation may then be transmitted by the communication unit asdescribed above. The location information may be transmitted as it isgenerated or may be sent at selected intervals or as queried by acaregiver (as in mode 1 above). In a variation of this mode, theposition determination unit may also compare the last generated locationinformation to previously determined location information. If thelocation information does not change over a period of time, for example,30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours or greater length of time, the positiondetermination unit automatically transmits position information to thecentral station and/or output device.

In a third mode (which may be referred to as a wearer-directed mode),the position determination unit calculates location information on asignal from the wearer of the footwear article. In this mode, the wearerof the footwear article directs the position determination unit tocalculate location information continuously or at a selected intervaland to transmit such location information to the central station and/oran output device as soon as it is generated along with an alert message.The wearer of the footwear article may direct the position determinationunit to enter such a mode by triggering the unit, such as by pushing abutton on the footwear article. In such an embodiment, the button may belocated at any convenient location, such as on the tongue portion. Thismode is useful when the wearer of the footwear article may feelthreatened.

In a fourth mode (which may be referred to as an out of range mode), theposition determination unit calculates location information continuouslyor at selected intervals as in mode two. In this mode, the positiondetermination unit has a base location coordinate (for example, thelocation of a house) input into the system and the positiondetermination unit determines the location information and compares itto the base location coordinate. The position determination unit isprogrammed to send location information and an alert message when thelocation information determined is outside a given radius of the baselocation coordinate (for example, over ½ mile, 1 mile or greater fromthe base location coordinate). In a variation of the fourth mode, thebase location coordinate is determined by the position of the outputdevice, such as, for example, a cell phone or a smart phone. In thisembodiment, the output device communicates its position to thecommunication unit directly or to the central station and the centralstation communicates the position of the output device to the positiondetermination unit; the position determination unit uses the position ofthe output device as the base location coordinate. The system may beprogrammed to update the position of the output device continuously orat a predetermined time interval. The position determination unit isupdated as to the location of the output device and updates the baselocation coordinate at a selected interval (for example, 1 minute, 5minute or 30 minute intervals or longer) and the position determinationunit is programmed to send location information and an alert messagewhen the location information determined is outside a given radius ofthe base location coordinate (for example, over 100 meters, 250 meters,½ mile, 1 mile or greater from the base location coordinate). Thisvariation of the fourth mode is useful in crowded environments where awearer of the footwear article and a caregiver may become separated,such as a theme park.

The position determination unit may be programmed to operate in thevarious modes (either remotely or at the site of the device) and can beswitched from one mode to the other as desired by the caregiver or asdemanded by a particular situation. For example, if an individual is ina crowded area, such as a theme park, the position determination unitmay transmit location information continuously or at a short interval(such as 5 minutes). However, if an individual is in familiarsurroundings, such as a neighborhood, the position determination unitmay transmit location information on demand from the caregiver or at anextended interval (such as 1 hour).

In one embodiment, the position determination unit communicates via acommunication conduit with a central station and the central stationcommunicates this information through a communication conduit to theoutput device. In another embodiment, the position determination unitcommunicates via a communication conduit directly with the outputdevice. Algorithms or software programs (collectively software) may beused to present the location information to a user. The software may beresident on the output device and/or on the central station. Thesoftware may use the location information to provide a number offeatures to a user and to activate or deactivate the features describedherein.

In one embodiment, a software program is used to integrate the locationinformation to a graphical output providing the location of anindividual, such as, but not limited to, a map. In another embodiment, asoftware program is used to integrate the location information to a textoutput providing the location of an individual, such as, but not limitedto, street location or other location coordinates known in the art. Thesoftware program may be resident on the central station or the outputdevice.

In one embodiment, the system provides an alert function when anindividual is believed to be missing. The alert function may beinitiated by a caregiver through software on the central station and/orthe output device. In a particular embodiment, a website may be used tofacilitate initiation of the alert function. When an individual ismissing and/or presumed to be lost or abducted, the most critical timeperiod is the three-six hour window immediately following the event.During this time there is significant confusion and concern on the partof the caregiver which may lead to indecision and delay in initiating aplan of action to locate the individual. Furthermore, locating anindividual by calling selected individuals may be time consuming andinefficient. The alert function provides a solution to this problem.

The software of the alert function contains a predetermined list ofcontacts. The contacts may be friends, family members and/or lawenforcement agencies or any other persons or agencies. The contact listmay be updated as desired and in one embodiment may be updated throughan output device, such as a smart phone. The alert function provides acaregiver the ability to quickly contact the list of contacts with analert message notifying the list of contacts that the individual ismissing is presumed to be lost or abducted. The alert message may be inthe form of an e-mail, a text message or both. The alert function allowsfor the alert message to be pre-composed, allowing a caregiver toquickly initiate action, or to be composed by the caregiver in realtime. In one aspect, when the alert function is initiated, the lastknown location of the individual is added to the alert message prior tothe alert message being sent. Furthermore, the alert function allows thecaregiver to add additional information to a pre-composed alert messageif desired, such as what the individual was last wearing, other peoplethe individual was with or other important information. The alertmessage may contain a recent photograph of the individual. Through thismechanism the alert function provides a rapid dissemination ofinformation regarding an individual to the groups of people most likelyto be able to assist in locating the individual.

An additional function is a call home feature. This feature enables acaregiver to communicate with an individual wearing the footwear articleand instruct them to call the caregiver or return to a pre-determinedlocation. The call home feature may be activated by the caregiverthrough the output device and/or the central station. In one embodimentthe call home feature uses a visual indicator (such as a flashing lightor LED), an audible indicator (such as an alarm) or a tactile indicator(such as vibrating buzzer) to indicate the individual should contact thecaregiver or return to the pre-determined location. The call homefeature may be activated or deactivated as desired.

A further function that may be provided is a fitness function. Thefootwear article may incorporate a pedometer. The pedometer may be incommunication with the position determination unit, particularly the GPSunit, and track the number of steps a child has taken. This informationmay be used to gauge the activity of the child on a daily basis andallow a caregiver o assess the physical activity of an individual.

The output device is used for monitoring by a caregiver. The outputdevice may be a cell phone, including a smart phone, or a computer. Theoutput device may also be a dedicated unit designed specifically toreceive signals from the transmission unit.

Placement of Position Determination Unit

The position determination unit may be provided in a number ofembodiments. In one embodiment, a portion of the position determinationunit is located within an inner sole portion. In another embodiment, theentire position determination unit is located within an inner soleportion. In a further embodiment, a portion of the positiondetermination unit is located within an inner sole portion and a portionof the position determination unit is located within a footwear articleassociated with the inner sole portion.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the position determination unitis placed within an inner sole portion. In such an embodiment, the innersole portion is placed within a footwear article for use; the footweararticle may also contain a portion of the position determination unit.In a particular embodiment, the inner sole has a cavity constructedtherein to receive components of the position determination unit, suchas at least one of the GPS module, power source, storage device and thecommunication unit. In a specific embodiment, the cavity is formed, atleast partially, on the medial arch side of the inner sole as thisportion of the inner sole is thicker than other portions and providessufficient room to house the components and structural support toprotect the components. In one embodiment, the cavity is formed on theunderside of the inner sole (opposite the side of the arch support thatcontacts a wearer's foot); in an alternate embodiment, the cavity isformed on the top side of the inner sole. In one embodiment, the innersole is configured to be used in conjunction with a footwear articlethat has been previously manufactured (such as being positioned on topof an existing component of the footwear article). Such apre-manufactured footwear article may be one that contains at least aportion of a position determination unit as disclosed herein or afootwear article that does not contain any portion of a positiondetermination unit as disclosed herein. In still a further embodiment,the inner sole extends less than the length of the user's foot and canbe transferred between footwear articles.

In one application of this embodiment, the inner sole contains a GPSmodule and a communication unit and the footwear article contains anantenna and a power source. In another application of this embodiment,the inner sole contains a GPS module, a communication unit and anantenna and the footwear article contains a power source. In anotherapplication of this of this aspect, the inner sole contains a GPSmodule, a communication unit and a power source and the footwear articlecontains the antenna. In another application of this of this aspect, theinner sole contains a GPS module, a communication unit, an antenna and apower source. In the foregoing embodiments, inner sole and/or thefootwear article may optionally comprise a storage device and otherancillary components as described herein.

In another embodiment, the position determination unit is placed withinan inner sole portion. In such an embodiment, the inner sole portion isplaced within a footwear article for use. In a particular embodiment,the inner sole has a cavity constructed therein to receive components ofthe position determination unit, such as the GPS module, power source,storage device and the communication unit. In a specific embodiment, thecavity is formed, at least partially, on the medial arch side of theinner sole as this portion of the inner sole is thicker than otherportions and provides sufficient room to house the components andstructural support to protect the components. In one embodiment, thecavity is formed on the underside of the inner sole (opposite the sideof the arch support that contacts a wearer's foot); in an alternateembodiment, the cavity is formed on the top side of the inner sole. Inone embodiment, the inner sole is configured to be used in conjunctionwith a footwear article that has been previously manufactured (such asbeing positioned on top of an existing component of the footweararticle). Such a pre-manufactured footwear article may be one thatcontains at least a portion of a position determination unit asdisclosed herein or a footwear article that does not contain any portionof a position determination unit as disclosed herein. In still a furtherembodiment, the inner sole extends less than the length of the user'sfoot and can be transferred between footwear articles.

In still another embodiment, the inner sole is a partial inner sole thatextends less than the length of a user's foot. In such an embodiment,the partial inner sole is configured to be used in conjunction with afootwear article that has been previously manufactured (such as beingpositioned on top of an existing component of the footwear article).Such a pre-manufactured footwear article may be one that contains atleast a portion of a position determination unit as disclosed herein ora footwear article that does not contain any portion of a positiondetermination unit as disclosed herein. In still a further embodiment,the inner sole extends less than the length of the user's foot and canbe transferred between footwear articles. The partial inner sole maycontain all of the components of the position determination unit or oneor more components of the position determination unit as describedabove.

In the foregoing embodiments, the inner sole is configured to receive atleast a portion of the position determination unit in a removablemanner. In the foregoing embodiments, the components of the positiondetermination unit are modular and can be exchanged between inner soles.In the foregoing embodiments, the inner sole is configured to conform tothe foot of a user to provide proper biomechanical support to the footof the user and acts as an orthotic device. In one embodiment, the innersole portion is a modified arch support. In this embodiment, the archsupport is manufactured from materials known in the art, such as, butnot limited to, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), cork or similar materials.The material from which the arch support is manufactured may be selectedto provide a desired hardness. In one embodiment, a hardness of 65 orgreater as measured by a durometer. So constructed, the arch supportprovides protection for the portions of the position determination unitcontained therein. The modified arch support may be manufacturedspecifically to fit a particular wearer of the footwear article.

The portions of the position determination unit located in the innersole may be contained within a protective enclosure, such as awaterproof bag to protect the components from damage to exposure tomoisture.

The antenna and its purpose are described above. In one embodiment, theantenna is placed in a position so that it has an unobstructed view ofthe sky in order to more efficiently receive signals. In thisembodiment, the antenna may be placed in the tongue of the footweararticle. In another embodiment, the antenna is located in the sidewallof the footwear article. In still another embodiment, the antenna islocated in the inner sole. However, other positions may be possible.Regardless of placement, the inner sole or footwear article may beconstructed so that it forms a pouch for receiving the antenna. Thepouch may be closed on all 4 sides or may be open on 1 or more sides. Ina particular embodiment, the tongue comprises a reversible engagementelement, such as Velcro, snaps, zippers and the like, to allow accessthe pouch portion in the event the antenna needs to be removed. Theantenna is in communication with at least one other portion of theposition determination unit such as the GPS module, such as, forexample, flexible wires. The footwear article or inner sole may furthercomprise a cutout portion for the antenna receiver to allow efficientreception of signals.

In embodiments where the antenna is placed in a position that hasunobstructed access to the outside, several advantages may berecognized. First, because of the optimal placement of the antenna, lessexpensive antennas can be used with superior results as compared to theprior art. Second, the bulk of the antenna is removed from the innersole portion of the footwear article, making placement of the remainingcomponents of the position determination element more efficient. Third,the other components of the position determination unit can be placed ina more secure environment, the inner sole, for optimal protection ofthese components. As a result, each component of the unit is placed inan optimal position.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides various inner sole articlesfor use as described in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also describes footwear articles containing aposition determination unit. As described above, in certain embodiment,the footwear article may contain one or more elements of the positiondetermination unit with the remaining components present in the innersole. The inner sole is contained within the footwear article. In oneembodiment, the footwear article contains the antenna and the inner solecontains the GPS module, the communication unit and the power source. Inanother embodiment, the footwear article contains the antenna and thepower source and the inner sole contains the GPS module and thecommunication unit. When components are present in the inner sole, anyembodiment of the inner sole described above may be used. The footweararticle may further contain accessory elements for use with the positiondetermination unit.

In other embodiment, the footwear article contains no components of theposition determination unit as such components are contained in theinner sole as described herein. The footwear article may containaccessory elements for use with the position determination unit.

In another embodiment, the footwear article contains other componentsfor use with the position determination unit. The footwear article maycontain a trigger element in communication with a component of theposition determination unit, such as the GPS module. The trigger elementmay be, for example, a button or other similar device. The function ofthe button is described above with reference to the modes of operation(specifically, mode 3).

In addition, the footwear article may comprise a recharging port. Therecharging port functions as described above. The recharging port may belocated at any convenient location on the footwear article. In oneembodiment the recharging port is located in the heel or the sidewall ofthe footwear article. In another embodiment, the recharging port islocated in the inner sole. Regardless of location, the recharging portis in communication with the power source so that the battery can berecharged.

The footwear article may also comprise a signaling element such as a lowpower indicator. The signaling element may be a visual indicator (suchas a flashing light or LED), an audible indicator (such as an alarm) ora tactile indicator (such as vibrating buzzer). A combination of theforegoing may also be used. The signaling element would remain off whenthe position determination unit was functioning properly. The signalingelement would turn on when the position determination unit was notfunctioning properly, or when the power source was low.

The footwear article may also contain a notification element (for usewith the call home feature described above). The notification elementmay be a visual indicator (such as a flashing light or LED), an audibleindicator (such as an alarm) or a tactile indicator (such as vibratingbuzzer). A combination of the foregoing may also be used. Thenotification element indicates the individual should contact thecaregiver or return to the pre-determined location. When the signalingdevice and the notification element are the same indicator, theindicators may be differentiated based on use. For example, if thesignaling element and the notification element are each a visualindicator, the signaling element may utilize continuous light while thenotification element may utilize a flashing light; if the signalingelement and the notification element are each an audible indicator, thesignaling element may utilize continuous tone while the notificationelement may utilize an intermittent tone. The

The signaling element and the notification element when present are eachin communication with the position determination unit.

The present disclosure contemplates that only one footwear article of apair will contain the components of the position determination unit. Theother footwear article of the pair can be designed to match so as tomatch the first while lacking the components.

As used herein, a footwear article may be any type of footwear known.For example, the footwear article may be a dress shoe, a tennis shoe, anathletic shoe, a boot, a sandal or a baby shoe. Furthermore, thefootwear article can comprise a specially designed inner sole (i.e., amodified arch support) compatible with a wearer to provide orthopedicsupport. It is also noted that the components of the positiondetermination unit present in the inner sole of the footwear article canbe exchanged between different types of footwear so as to avoidpurchasing duplicate equipment. In addition, when the wearer outgrows apair of shoes, the components of the position determination unit presentin the inner sole of the footwear article can be switched to the newfootwear article. In one embodiment, the footwear article contains theantenna and the other ancillary components, such as the recharging portand the signaling device, and these components may be connected to thecomponents of the position determination unit present in the inner soleof the footwear article. In another embodiment, the footwear articlecontains the ancillary components, such as the flexible wires connectingthe antenna to the GPS module, the recharging port and the signalingdevice, and these components may be connected to the components of theposition determination unit present in the inner sole of the footweararticle while the components of the position determination unit presentin the inner sole of the footwear article and the antenna are switchedto the new footwear article.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing locationinformation regarding an individual. In one embodiment of this aspect,the system comprises an inner sole containing at least a portion of aposition determining unit integrated within the inner sole and at leastone of a central station and an output device. Any inner sole describedherein may be used with such system. The system may operate in variousmodes as described herein.

The present disclosure also provides a system for providing locationinformation regarding an individual. In one embodiment of this aspect,the system comprises a position determining unit integrated within afootwear article and at least one of a central station and an outputdevice. Any footwear article described herein may be used with suchsystem. The system may operate in various modes as described herein.

The footwear article described may be used in communication with asubscription service to allow a caregiver to determine the location of awearer of the footwear article. The subscription service may include awebsite. Any of the features or methods described herein may be accessedthrough the website. In addition, the website may be accessed by anoutput device as is known in the art. Alternatively, when the outputdevice is a smart phone or cell phone, the features described herein maybe resident on the output device and the location information provideddirectly to the output device. As described above, the positiondetermination unit transmits location information to a central stationand/or an output device. A caregiver may access the location informationby accessing the central server through a communication conduit, such asthe internet or directly though the output device. In one embodiment,the caregiver enters identification information, such as a passwordand/or a unique identifier associated with a particular positiondetermination unit. The central station then processes the request andprovides the location information to the caregiver through an outputdevice. In one embodiment, just a password is entered as identificationinformation and the password is automatically associated with one ormore position determination units. Additionally, the central station maybe configured to provide location information to the caregivercontinuously or at selected intervals as described herein.

1. A footwear article, the footwear article comprising an inner sole,the footwear article containing at least one element of a positiondetermination unit to provide location information for an individualwearing the footwear article.
 2. The footwear article of claim 1,wherein the position determination unit comprises a global positioningsystem (GPS) module, a communication unit, a power source and an antennaand optionally a storage device.
 3. The footwear article of claim 1,wherein the inner sole configured to receive at least one element of theposition determination unit, said at least one element of the positiondetermination element selected from the group consisting of a GPSmodule, a communication unit, a power source, an antenna and a storagedevice.
 4. The footwear article of claim 3, wherein the inner solecontains a GPS module and a communication unit and the footwear articlecontains a power source and an antenna.
 5. The footwear article of claim3, wherein the inner sole contains a GPS module, a communication unitand a power source and the footwear article contains an antenna.
 6. Thefootwear article of claim 3, wherein the inner sole contains a GPSmodule, a communication unit, a power source and an antenna.
 7. Thefootwear article of claim 1, wherein the footwear article contains asignaling element, a notification element, a trigger element, arecharging port or a combination of the foregoing.
 8. The footweararticle of claim 2, wherein at least one of the elements of the positiondetermination unit are removable.
 9. The footwear article of claim 3,wherein the inner sole provides proper biomechanical support to the footof a user.
 10. The footwear article of claim 3, wherein the inner soleis a partial inner sole.
 11. The footwear article of claim 3, whereinthe inner sole is configured to be used in a footwear article that hasbeen previously manufactured.
 12. An inner sole for use with a footweararticle, the inner sole containing at least one element of a positiondetermination unit to provide location information for an individualwearing the footwear article.
 13. The inner sole of claim 12, whereinthe position determination unit comprises a global positioning system(GPS) module, a communication unit, a power source and an antenna andoptionally a storage device.
 14. The inner sole of claim 12, wherein theinner sole contains a GPS module and a communication unit and thefootwear article contains a power source and an antenna.
 15. The innersole of claim 12, wherein the inner sole contains a GPS module, acommunication unit and a power source and the footwear article containsan antenna.
 16. The inner sole of claim 12, wherein the inner solecontains a GPS module, a communication unit, a power source and anantenna.
 17. The inner sole of claim 12, wherein the footwear articlecontains a signaling element, a notification element, a trigger element,a recharging port or a combination of the foregoing.
 18. The inner soleof claim 12, wherein at least one of the elements of the positiondetermination unit are removable.
 19. The inner sole of claim 12,wherein the inner sole provides proper biomechanical support to the footof a user.
 20. The inner sole of claim 12, wherein the inner sole is apartial inner sole.
 21. The inner sole of claim 12, wherein the innersole is configured to be used in a footwear article that has beenpreviously manufactured.